KT’s Android App Offers K-Pop Fix

Thanks to South Korean carrier KT Corp., fans of Korean pop music in 46 countries will be able to get their fix on their Android handsets.

The “Genie” app is the first global K-pop mobile service out of South Korea, home to big stars such as Psy and his monster hit “Gangnam Style.” It first launched in South Korea nine months ago.

Reuters

Members of South Korean band Girls’ Generation performed at a K-pop festival in Hanoi last year.

Users in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand can now download and purchase various K-pop content including music files, video clips and photos using the app, which can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store. The app allows the respective music companies to set their own pricing.

“Genie will provide almost exactly the same service as what is provided for users in Korea,” offering free full-track previews up to three times per song, and other exclusive features and content on Korean stars, said Kate Kim, a spokeswoman for KT.

KT created the app in partnership with KMP Holdings, a local music distributor of seven major K-pop labels including the top three–SM Entertainment JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment.

“We will continue to target the global virtual goods market, riding on the rising popularity of the Korean Wave globally,” said Terry Ahn, executive vice president for KT’s app development division.

The app isn’t yet available for iPhone users outside of Korea, though iPhone users based in Korea have limited access to the app’s services. KT plans to expand the service to more countries.